Hopscotch Detroit: Community Building With Miles Long Pop-up Playground

What if the schedule of city-life had recess built into it, just like elementary school? A team of social innovators in Detroit is asking that question with their upcoming project Hopscotch Detroit, a social free-for-all that puts a schoolyard spin on community engagement—and even intends to break a world record, using nearly a ton of chalk, stencils, and city's sidewalks.

Following September 22, the Hopscotch team plans to continue creating and inspiring similar conceptual grassroots projects that foster collaboration in the city. They've held test runs in several Detroit communities including Bagley, Cody Rouge, Belle Isle, Eastern Market, North End, Downtown, and Midtown, and plan to chalk up many more neighborhoods.

“Positive, exciting, and inspiring things are brewing and alive in Detroit,” Sethi says. “We all share common ground. Sometimes we just need to draw on it to realize the fact.” The event is completely free with chalk included, but the team is still raising funds and recruiting volunteers. Those interested can send an email to hopscotch[at]wedgedetroit[dot]com.